Welcome!

I’m Aurora, a psychotherapist, coach, and a wellness advocate

Being the only 1st generation Filipina-American in my immediate family, I experienced the difficulties of navigating my own values with different cultural expectations.

These barriers ignited my curiosity to learn about myself and others from different walks of life. 

This is why providing culturally responsive care is so important to me, recognizing that different backgrounds make addressing mental health uniquely challenging.

For the past ten years, I've worked with diverse populations in Northern, Central, and Southern San Diego, offering community-based treatment and mental health support in educational environments.

Recognizing how cultural factors impact mental health, I strive to provide a compassionate space for each client's unique journey.

In my practice, I use evidence-based methods like

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

I'm also trained in trauma-focused therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

With a specialization in Perinatal Mental Health, I support new mothers, those facing loss and infertility, and individuals with Postpartum Depression.

Incorporating my creativity into my role as a mental health provider at a college in San Diego, CA, I began to plan, develop, and organize various community events.

This journey allowed me to host successful Mental Health Conferences, Workshops, and classroom speaking engagements.

Whether it’s large events with 150 attendees or small, intimate settings with 5-10 people, I strive to share my knowledge and authenticity.

My goal is to impart wisdom that attendees can carry with them on their life journey.

Other than being a psychotherapist…

I'm also a mom and a wife—yep, just like most of y'all out there, I'm juggling all the roles!

My family is my rock, keeping me grounded and supported through all the ups and downs. They give me the strength to show up every day, both for them and for my clients.

Balancing therapy work with family life can be a wild ride, but it's worth every bit of effort.

Being a mom and a wife adds a whole new layer of understanding and compassion to my practice.

My family fuels my drive and reminds me of the importance of love, support, and a good laugh.

There are always flowers for those who want to see them.

/  – Henri Matisse (1992). “Jazz”, George Braziller  /

Challenges are a part of life, and overcoming them requires finding what works best for you.

Think of your mind as a garden: what you nourish will grow, and this growth shapes your actions and behaviors. I’m here to help you plant seeds that lead to the life you desire.

Just like cultivating a beautiful and sustainable garden, personal growth involves getting your hands dirty.

It's messy work—digging, experimenting, and sometimes getting hurt in the process.

But remember, the most vibrant flowers and the healthiest produce come from this dedicated effort.

Creating this inner garden means embracing the mess and understanding that the journey is as important as the destination.

We might prefer to see the results immediately—the blooming flowers and the ripe fruits—but it's the work we put in beforehand that truly counts.

In the same way, doing the inner work requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to face discomfort.

So, let's dig in together, experiment with new strategies, and nurture the seeds that will ultimately lead to a flourishing and fulfilling life.